The Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI) recently achieved a significant milestone – the completion of accreditation to become an ICDL Accredited Test Center. Just a few days ago, the prestigious institute was fully launched as an ICDL Center in Kampala, Uganda. This achievement marks a remarkable step towards their vision of becoming an exemplary institution in healthcare training, research, and service delivery.
During the center’s Accreditation Certificate handover ceremony, Dan Muhenda, the ICDL Market Development Executive-Uganda, highlighted the immense opportunities that come with being an ICDL Center. This milestone signifies a turning point for ECUREI in delivering quality, internationally recognized digital skilling programs to all students in the medical fraternity. In Dan Muhenda’s words, this accreditation sets the stage for ECUREI to become Africa’s number one Medical Technology-driven institution, a testament to the bright future that lies ahead.
ECUREI holds a unique position as the only institution of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, specializing in the training of Ultrasound, Medical Imaging, and other health-related courses at the tertiary level. Its inception was the brainchild of Prof. Michael Kawooya, the current Deputy Principal, whose dedication to excellence in medicine and radiology led to its establishment. But the journey to this point was not without its challenges.
In 1997, Prof. Henry Stuart Kasozi, the current Principal, faced a scarcity of both Ultrasound services and training in Uganda. His pursuit of an Ultrasound Fellowship with Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA, was groundbreaking, laying the foundation for ECUREI’s future impact in the healthcare sector. The collaboration with Prof. Barry Goldberg of Thomas Jefferson University resulted in the generous donation of an Ultrasound machine, which proved instrumental in training future instructors, further bolstering ECUREI’s growth.
Affiliated with Thomas Jefferson University, ECUREI began its journey while housed in Mengo Hospital before its official launch in June 2022, with the gracious presence of the President of the Republic of Uganda, HE. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Since then, it has emerged as the leading ultrasound medical imaging service center in Uganda, earning recognition for its excellence.
In line with their commitment to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of healthcare education, ECUREI pursued ICDL Accreditation. Now, the institute is poised to deliver world-class digital skilling programs to students, equipping them with vital technological skills essential in today’s healthcare landscape.
Recently, trainers at ECUREI, accredited as an ATC in Uganda, achieved certification in their first module, a testament to their dedication and expertise. As the leading center for tertiary level training in Ultrasound, Medical Imaging, and other health-related courses in Sub-Saharan Africa, ECUREI is set to make an even greater impact in the medical community.
As we celebrate ECUREI’s achievements and look to the future, we acknowledge the visionaries behind this institute’s success – Prof. Michael Kawooya, Prof. Henry Stuart Kasozi, and the entire ECUREI team. Their dedication and commitment to excellence in healthcare education have paved the way for ECUREI’s growth and impact.
The ICDL Accreditation is not just a celebration of past achievements but a declaration of the future potential of ECUREI. With their eyes firmly set on becoming Africa’s leading Medical Technology-driven institution, ECUREI is poised to shape the future of healthcare education, research, and service delivery. As they embrace this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Patience Atukunda, the IT Manager, and Test Center Coordinator, and everyone at ECUREI
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